Jordan hoping to break quarterfinal complex at 2023 AFC Asian Cup

Just over a year ago, the Jordanian national team convincingly beat Kuwait 3-0 to clinch qualification for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

At Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City, Adnan Hamad’s team completed their third round qualification from in style, after two earlier victories over Nepal (2-0) and Indonesia (1-0) in Group A.

However, a change of host venue from China to Qatar means that Al-Nashama will not enjoy the fruits of their hard work until 2024, when the delayed tournament will kick off in Doha on Jan. 12 and conclude on Feb. 10.

Jordan will take on Malaysia on Jan. 15 in their opening match of Group E at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

They will then face South Korea on Jan. 20 at Al-Thumama Stadium and Bahrain five days later at Khalifa International Stadium.

Jordan’s chances of progress to the knock-out stages of the 24-team competition look promising, especially as the tournament format offers qualification for the top two sides in each group to the last 16, along with the best four third-placed teams in each of the six groups.

Jordan have never faced Bahrain or Malaysia in the AFC Asian Cup in their four previous participations. They have, however, faced South Korea in the group stages in China in 2004.

The Jordanian team, then under legendary Egyptian coach Mahmoud El-Gohary,  drew 0-0 with South Korea, who finished top of Group B with seven points. Jordan, having beaten Kuwait 2-0 and drawn 0-0 with the UAE, came second with 5 points.

Jordan’s journey ended in the quarterfinals as they were eliminated on penalties by eventual champions Japan.

Hamad, who over the years has become synonymous with leading Jordan, also led the team in Qatar in 2011, where they reached the last eight after drawing